The Certified Latebloomer: skincare

Showing posts with label skincare. Show all posts

August 30, 2014

August 2014: HAUL

Stressed? Yes, but most importantly it's my birthday month so I allowed myself to spend on some things (not all, I have to be practical). First stop is Forever21. I almost got a leather jacket and another boots (which is the one that I've been eyeing in F21 US site) but I have to think thrice and weigh every pros and cons and cons won (I don't know how to rock leather in a warm humid weather).

So I pick some tops, just simple and basic ones that can be dress down or up. I just love how the white shirt camouflages itself as formal with those texture (I remember that my mom has one of these just sitting in her closet only better when I was a kid and now I wish I kept and restore it.
I am always attracted to shirts with stripes...they just look nautical and refreshing and put together so I can't pass on the navy blue stripes shirt. And when I got home I just realized that the two tops that I got from F21 are way pricier than my pants and was kinda a happy that I got another top (the flowery one) for just 250 pesos (that's less than $5) from a tiangge (hooray for tiannges!).

Still from Forever21, I got two black pants (although in the photo it's like dark blue) because they are on a reduced price and they almost perfectly fit me well (I can't find the perfect pants for my body type...I have weird body structure if you are wondering why). They also already come with slim belts and I can roll the hem up (for a chic look) or down and they still look good. They set great on my hips (not too high nor low), they have nice fabric and they are comfortable to wear!

I also bought a pair of Chucks because I miss them (I have 4 pairs before, I think) although I will only wear them on Friday's and maybe Sunday's too. And another cheap shoes that I can use when walking going to work.

Other stuff that I bought are the plastic storage for my skincare products and makeup and them some other stuff recommended by my sister. The A Bonne Spa Milk Salt is a cult favorite. The Black Beauty Hot Oil with Vitamin E is my sister's happiness. And the The Body Shop's hand cream are so light I got three (gave one to my sister) when I redeemed all my points and voucher from being ever so loyal with The Body Shop Philippines, I only paid 30 pesos, that's happiness for me!

Well, in just a day or two it's already September~"BER" months ,I can already smell christmas (why so fast!!!!).

August 25, 2014

The Saem On The Blackhead

There's a time that I've been obsessed with clearing the blackheads on my face that I hoarded blackhead appropriate products (masks, pore strips, cleansers and the like). This gel cleaner from The Saem is the second to the last item that I got and it's interesting because it says "steam" in the name.

What's more interesting is the gel cleaner's color...the ash like particles (it is said to be volcanic ash) makes the transparent gel looks gray. Now getting back on the "steam" word, The Saem On The Blackhead Volcanic Steam Cleaner heats up once contact with skin and I really panicked the first time I used it because I thought my skin is burning but overtime I got used to it (tip: rub the cleaner between your hands first before applying unto face if your skin is sensitive with heat or you just have sensitive skin in general). The very concept of this gel cleaner is to mimic the heat from steam towel to open up pores and remove black and whiteheads and sebum.

The yellow-orange particles burst and intensify the heat of the gel cleaner. According to koreadepart.com, the gel will turn into oil but I didn't observe that and now that I'm reading the instructions on how to use it, I found out that I'm using this too much: I use it on a daily basis whereas it is recommended to use it 2 to 3 times a week only, yikes! Good thing it's not that harsh and it doesn't dry out my skin (that's a relief). Anyway, as an everyday cleanser it does loosen up the blackheads and sebum on the skin thanks to it's heating feature but most of the time I have to pluck or use pore strips to completely remove the blackheads that are sticking out (the blackheads won't freely detached from the skin). Also, I don't think it can remove make-up as I see lots of brownish residue on my cottonpad (when I apply my toner).

The heating part is really interesting and can help save time when hot/steam towel is not readily available (like in my case). You can purchase this at w2beauty.com and use arya.deguzman@gmail.com to get a $5 voucher upon registration.

August 24, 2014

Holika Holika Pig-nose

Holika Holika Pig-nose Clear Black Head Cleansing Sugar Scrub (why is the name so long???) is something that I hate in the beginning but that hatred turned into love when I accidentally learned how to properly use it. This is a physical kind of scrub from; the name itself, sugar plus balm (the balm which has been a buzz in the youtube world which is said to be a better cleansing "agent" than other type/form cleansers? not sure, soon I'll find out since I'm going to use one...will try to compare it with oil, foam and other types of cleansers that I already use *cross finger*) and I can't believe that it has pink clay (I just found this out as in this very moment) or is it the balm that I'm looking at right now (I swear it looks like a balm!)). Moving on, this one also has lemon extracts which explains the citrusy scent of the scrub and aloe vera, both of which is said to provide a brighten complexion and nourish skin.

If you are thinking that this will magically remove the blackheads on your face then you are wrong, this balm didn't promise that (based on the description I found in the net). Instead it says that the soft white sugar exfoliate the skin removing dead skin cells and allowing for the easier extraction of blackheads and other impurities from pores while the pink clay (which I think is the balm) help absorbs excess sebum. Seems like your ordinary sugar scrub but the "balm" makes this scrub a bit special as it makes physical exfoliation/scrubbing much enjoyable and easier.

The balm/pink clay keeps the sugar from sticking to the face for better exfoliation and at the same time it already cleanses the skin and it can even remove make-up. I just hate the sticky feeling it gives though so I either use a mild cleanser after or just lightly scrub my face again with a konjac jelly. Or as directed, just wash off with lukewarm water (I don't have the luxury of having a hot and cold faucet so I rely with the konjac jelly).

I said in the beginning that I hated this at first just because I thought that the sugar is just too harsh for my skin but it turns out that I'm just exerting too much pressure. One day I just absent-mindedly put this on my face (I think I'm daydreaming) and after like a minute, the sugar just dissolved and my skin was exfoliated without being hurt-no redness and harshness felt.

Overall, it's a good light scrub (if use properly) that loosens blackheads and sebum and makes extraction much easier.

p.s. I got the description info from holikaholika.ca. You can purchase this at w2beauty.com and use arya.deguzman@gmail.com to get a $5 voucher upon registration.

August 19, 2014

SUPER! Missha's

I fell in love with Missha's Super Aqua Essence that I didn't hesitate to get the boxed set of the line even if I still have lots of products in line. I expected a lot from Missha because most of their products that I tried are superb but budget friendly so the Super Aqua Hydrating Emulsion is kind of a let down so good thing that the toner is something that I like.

So why am I not a fan of the emulsion. Yes, I like the frosted blue bottle and the refreshing smell that reminds me of the fresh ocean but it just takes a lot of time for my skin to absorb it maybe because the texture is a bit gooey leaving my face looking a bit oily (bit is the favorite word of the day!) and it doesn't really moisturize well.

The toner on the other hand is just refreshing: it's a simple, light, basic toner that is suitable for all skin types. I usually refer to it as the flavored water, it just smells light, clean and refreshing without any hint of alcohol. It doesn't dry out nor moisturize my skin-it's in the neutral zone. I have the full size before and it's also in a frosted light blue glass which a great representation of aqua.

Another quick review for you but I hope I covered the basics.

August 16, 2014

Missha Bordeaux Absolute Body Butter

A sale can make you get things in an impulse and this is one of them. I got Missha Bordeaux Absolute Body Butter when Missha Korea had a massive sale last December and I'm glad I did get this even if there's no review about it because in my opinion it is better than The Body Shop's!

On sale, I got this around P200 (that's less than $4) which is much cheaper than any other butter that I tried. The consistency of this one is really like the spreadable butter from grocery stores: not to runny or jiggly or mushy with bits of solid. But despite it's consistency this is non greasy (or maybe I just apply it right after I take a bath that my skin absorbs it well), it just moisturizes and gives the skin a thin layer of softness that is lovely to touch especially when I just shaved, hehehe. The smell reminds me of Welsh grape juice not like wine, but that's okay.

I should have got another tub of this during the sale but I always get body butter from The Body Shop that I still have two left and wouldn't like to stock on another butter.

That's all!

July 29, 2014

Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner Moisture

Remember my flowery back-drop from my blushers series? Well here it goes again, for this post only (hoping that when I visit my sister, I'll have a product photo session again because they look lovely...they look lovely right? please agree!). Let's get back to the main element of the above photo though and I must say it's the priciest ~~toner~~ skincare product I ever bought but still worth it!

I thought that Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner Moisture is an essence (which explains why I bought it because by the time I ordered this I told myself that I would "amplify" my skincare and I'll start with an essence but, toink I didn't research much and rely on the "refiner" word...it's as if the beauty world is saying "your okay with your cleansers, now on with the toner...don't skip upgrading it, lady it's an important product"). "Skin Refiner" who wouldn't want a product that can refine the skin especially when your pores are awkwardly big? Fact by the way, pores don't open and close and two of the main reasons why they appear to look "open" is one, it's clog with hardened sebum and dirt and two, it's not "toned" you know when you wash your face it requires some hours before it can get back to it's normal condition before you can apply other stuff like skincare and makeup and that's why Toner was born: it tones/conditions and prep the skin for the next step!

Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner Moisture is perfect for boys and girls that have dry skin like me because it really has some moisturizing thing to it...I actually lost the paper that list the ingredients so I don't know what specific stuff does it. Also, it has a bit of an alcohol smell maybe from some low concentrated acid which I found out to be okay to be present in toners because it acts like a mild daily peel/exfoliant for the skin...just remember though that it should be mild, ditch those strong astringent your skin may not handle it! If I go over that mild alcohol scent, this toner smells nice and clean.

For the effect, this toner is one of the reason why my skin is soft and looking smooth as if my before big pores we're blurred so they look smaller now so I can say that it does it's job in toning/conditioning the skin. It says in the description that it's "Moisturizing skin refiner with purifying and softening effect for clear skin" -not 100% sure about the purifying part because I still have blackheads and whiteheads but my skin is clearer than before.

It's a very nice toner with very pretty packaging (I had a hard time throwing the box because it's well put together and I think I'll also have a hard time letting go of the container, I wish I can find a way to recycle it) and it also has a really really "nice" price, I know there are a lot of girls there that really invest on products and will think that this has a cheap price but for me, it's already pricey but considering how well it perform, it's still a good buy!

I think that's all I have to say for this toner. I'll just leave you with this more colorful photo (than the first photo which is more on the dreamy side).

July 17, 2014

Just Some Products in My Closet

It took me three photo sessions just for me to get decent photos for this post and the post before this, the new place where I moved in just don't have enough natural lighting (and props, now I miss my niece cork board) so forgive the uneven color and blurriness of my pictures.

I love aloe gel and tried some from a couple of brands namely Nature Republic and It's Skin and so far this is the one with the most aloe on it at 95%. The Saem Big Brother Soothing Aloe Gel offers the same goodness of the aloe gels I used: it's soothing, refreshing and lightly moisturizers the skin without being sticky...it's a good companion on summer days especially when it's as if the skin is hot and burning as this can cool it down. This one from The Saem is more jiggly (comparing it with Nature Republic's) and is not clumpy (comparing it with It's Skin's). I like that it has more aloe but based on availability (I pre-ordered this) and affordability (because of the shipping fee), I'd chose Nature Republic (which is most of the time available in the malls that I go to).

I got this Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Relaxing Cream for free when I bought the serum from the same line...and I don't like it. It has the same instant almost like erasing and smoothing of the skin like a primer would do effect but this one gives mini bumps on my face. I thought the bumps would start to go away after 2 weeks of using but they just multiply so I used this instead on my feet but it's sticky and I feel a little itchiness from using it so I just have to give up on this product. Also, I feel some grittiness when I apply it on my face, I don't know where it's coming from since the cream looks smooth.

This mist is an impulse buy when I was strolling in a mall while everyone seems to be panic buying plus it's from a brand that is new to my eyes and I can't believe that it's under Samsung! A regular type of mist from a spray bottle which I hate because it doesn't sprit evenly (sometimes it squirts) and upon browsing mist from other brands, it hits me that I could have gotten a mist with a better packaging with what I paid for this but anyway, this is a handy mist that instantly refreshes my face without drying it or sets my makeup or tone down a bb cream when I apply slightly too much and it can also be use as a toner. I don't know about the effect of the Coenzyme Q10 in it since I don't regularly use this stuff.

July 15, 2014

Remove your Face

I'm just seeing pictures wherein people seem to have a different face when they remove their makeup. Well, it's a matter of preference and it just so happen that I do not have the skill to transform my face and opted to have a simple almost naked face make-up but everyone (who uses make-up) should remove it and let the skin breathe and currently, these are the items that I'm using.

By the way for the month of July I guess I'll be doing a group product post to eliminate my backlogs. I will mention the essentials but with less details like packaging, where I bought it, how much etc. etc.

It's Skin Rice Firming Cleansing Milk got my attention because it's dermatologist tested and well it's on sale when I bought it. I was looking for a mild cleanser that I can use in the morning and when I'm halfway through it did I know that I'm using it wrong. It's best to massage this cleansing milk on a dry face because it will turn into something oily and almost work like cleansing oil only this one can't remove tough makeup like the ones that are waterproof. Then dampen your hands and massage again your skin to emulsify the cleansing milk then rinse. I like how this makes my skin soft and doesn't leave it thirsty.

Before I'm amazed with cleansing oil, I was first awed with Bifesta Cleansing Lotion that I got two variants: the Brightup and the Moist. Pour some on a cotton pad then swipe it all over your face to remove makeup and dirt, amazing how you don't need water to use it. BUT it has flaws: one swipe is not enough to remove makeup even the simple ones...at least three to make sure everything is removed which is for me a waste of cotton pads, it stings the eyes and you need to use a lot to make it work. I also use this before as a toner but they seem (especially the moist) to be a bit sticky so I stop. These flaws makes me appreciate cleansing oil big time! Bifesta Cleansing Lotion is handy though when you are practicing in your makeup skill (just a cotton pad and this can erase the minor errors) and when travelling and water is not available or if you are just afraid to use water for I don't know reason :P

And lastly, this little guy who looks like a mochi or rice cake (puto). I got this Konjac Sponge in Landmark for like a $1 to replace my Olay cleansing brush in my everyday face cleansing routine. It's mild and it lightly scrub my face to remove the dirt off my face, lessening the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads. And if you use foam cleanser, this helps in making more foams so no need to use extra amount of cleanser to enjoy the divine happiness of thick small bubbles/foam on your skin. Cheap and reliable tool!

June 26, 2014

The Body Shop Shea Body Whip and Olive Shower Gel

Lately, my skin has been very calm: there's no itchiness, no new wounds and scars...it's just silently recovering and I think part of this nice recovery is these two from The Body Shop.

The Body Shop Shea Body Whip
This is a kind of lotion that I can wear on summer days without worrying that I'll be greasy because it's light just like the whip cream version of heavy creams. My skin easily absorbs it but doesn't compromise the moisturizing goodness of shea making my skin really soft and smooth (I know I already reviewed tons of lotions and say the same thing but this one tops them all). I also like that this one has a lighter nutty smell compared with it's body butter sister and most of the time last the whole day/night.

The Body Shop Olive Shower Gel
It cleans and bubbles well without making my skin feel tight after every bath but why does it smell like moringga with olive...I just hate the combo and it's too overpowering. Aside from the "bad smell", my skin loves it and use it alternately with the Cetaphil cleanser.

This is very short, but at least I think I covered the basics :) no need for extra schmanciness.

June 3, 2014

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule

Let's take a moment to admire the purple bottle of Missha Time Revolution Night Repair New Science Activator Ampoule. This is just the sample size in 10ml but the packaging looks so good even it's golden box and the leaflet that came with it (together with the Time Revolution First Essence, I posted a photo in my instagram and you can visit this post to know how they look like) is so beautiful. I've been using this ampoule for more than a month now and I still have 1/3 product left so paying $8 is so worth it specially because it works so well on me. By the way, this is said to be a dupe for Estee Lauder Night Repair but the ingredients of Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule looks more "juicier" to me (for the list, you can check Missha US site).

Description: Highly concentrated essential ampoule to help make flawless and sleek skin through promoting skin's original and natural power to improve skin condition every day. Triplex-Activating System providing 3 benefits at a time:

1st: Bio-Tech Activator: Various lactic acid fermented ingredients help vitalize skin and improve skin damage from external harmful situations. 2nd: Skin Power Activator: Scientific damage recovering system considering skin condition helps active ingredients being absorbed effectively to the skin. 3rd: Essential Activator: Pro-vitamins increase skin's own adaptability and provide synergy benefit with following skincare.

Dual functional cosmetic of Wrinkle Repairing & Whitening. Dermatologist tested. Clinically tested. Mild formula for your precious skin. Paraben-free, Artificial colorant-free, Artificial fragrance-free, Ethanol-free formula.

Directions: Before applying serum, apply appropriate amount over the face following skin texture. Pat lightly until fully absorbed.

A mouthful of description but they are so true! My face looks glowing, flawless and sleek. With continuous usage, my face looks healthy and less sensitive. My pores looks smaller and my freckles and sun spots are less visible. I never had a major breakout with this ampoule and my skin is soft yet firmer than before.

I skip using essence and serum with this plus: because it's summer, I sometimes skip cream or emulsion and this still moisturizes my skin: just a toner, eye cream and this is enough for my dry and sensitive skin. The brown ampoule is a bit sticky but lightly massaging it all over the face and neck (don't forget the neck) helps the skin in absorbing it faster. I'm already use to different kinds of smell of skincare products so the scent of this one is mild for me and I'm happy that it's free of artificial fragrance although I read some reviews that despises its smell (I'd rather put something on my face that smell like this ampoule than with something that smells like flowers yet full of artificial scent).

And like what I said in my intro, I've been using this ampoule for more than a month and in my estimate, 10 ml can last for 2 months because just a little really goes a long way.

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair New Science Activator Ampoule is so good to me that I'm putting it on my list that I will surely repurchase after I'm done with all the ampoules and serum that I have.

p.s. as of 6/4/2014: Missha is so nice to us guys...just received a message from Missha Philippines saying that they're giving a special promo for the trial set for only Php980 (instead of Php1100) and it's free of shipping plus of course samples as freebies so if you wanted to get the trial set of The Time Revolution Night Repair 10ml and The First Treatment Essence 30ml then better text or call Noemi Ronquillo of Missha Philippines at 09178302763. Here's the message:
"Hi Arya! I read the messages to you of your followers and I would like to offer a special promo to you and your followers. We have the special trial set of the first treatment essence, 30 ml and the night repair ampoule like the one in your blog, 10 ml. The SRP in our stores is php 1100 but I am giving them to you for php 980 with free shipping. We will also include some sachets of BB Crean and CC Cream for your fans to try. They can call or text me, Noemi Ronquillo of Missha Philippines 09178302763"

May 30, 2014

May 2014: Updated Skincare Products

Since it's summer season, I wanted my face to feel light so I trimmed the products that I use on a nightly and morningly(?) basis and if you wanted to know what I'm using before plus the extras please go to My Current Skincare Products post.

Let's start with the morning skincare products:

Laneige Moisture Power Essential Skin Refiner
I thought that this is like an essence and I blame the refiner in the name for buying this. This is a really good toner: it's not drying, with minimal tingling sensation, it does soften the skin and removes residue from my cleanser if I don't rinse my face properly, but at the same time expensive as a toner.

Laneige Water Bank Essence
I got four 15ml of this essence and it's light enough for summer yet moisturizing enough for me to sometimes skip an emulsion or cream. This is a bit similar to the Missha Super Aqua Essence that I tried before but this one is more moisturizing while the Missha one is more refreshing to the skin.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Eye Cream
I got this eye cream in sample sachets because it's so darn expensive!!! My undereyes is still the same as before but I like it in the sense that it just moisturizes without being heavy even if this cream is thick.

Missha Super Aqua Hydrating Emulsion
I ditched moisturizer during day time and replace it with emulsion. Although it takes a bit time for my skin to absorb emulsion, it's not as heavy as a cream yet it moisturizes almost like a cream during summertime.

IOPE Mild Sun Cream
(link from a similar product)
I use this instead of the Missha emulsion when I'll be out under the sun for hours. I like how it gives my skin a nice glow and it doesn't make my face look flat and white.

For my nightime skincare routine, I usually use these products:

Laneige Moisture Power Essential Skin Refiner
Same as above but I make sure that during nighttime, I use cotton pad to apply this product to really just make sure that my face is free of make-up and other gunky stuff. I sometimes just put this toner at the palm of hands and apply it on my face on my morning routine.

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule
The bottle is gorgeous and so is the content (mine is just the 10ml size). This oil-and-serum-in-one (well to me) ampoule just brightens my face, my skin is glowing in the morning when I wake up.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Eye Cream
Same as in my morning routine. Sometimes, I use this after my moisturizer.

Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Relaxing Cream
Not my favorite cream but I got this for free when I bought the serum from the Regenerist line. It's thick that turns into somewhat powdery after some time but that's not what I'm not into it...there's a weird grits that I'm feeling when I'm applying this but it seems smooth in my eyes (unless the grade of my eyes went up again, uh oh).

Do you change your skincare products in every season of the year?
p.s. for the prices and other details of the products, just click the name and it will lead you either on amazon or to the online shops of the brand or to someone else blog where I heard the product

Blues with a Touch of Pink and well...Brown

Here goes the bundle reviews again, this time I have four products to talk about.

Cetaphil Skin Cleanser
I hate this when I was a kid because it doesn't bubble (bubble makes a kid happy, right?) but when my skin allergy declares war, I have no choice but to use this or Dove. Now that I'm older, I appreciate how mild and gentle this cleanses; and at the same time, soften my skin. It's a 2 in 1 product too because I can use it on my face and body (and sometimes in my scalp too) and my skin just loves it!

Lander Foot Scrub
I saw this from one of Shayne's post of queenofallyousee.com (visit and greet her blog, it just turned 1 and Shayne is hosting a giveaway!) and because it has a peppermint on it, I got intrigued. It's a mild foot scrub that can be use on a daily basis and the peppermint scent is just relaxing, it tricks my brain into thinking that my feet somehow feels cool.

Soap&Glory Hand Food
I sometimes hate the smell of this one but it's just mild that I can live with it and just concentrate on how well it moisturizes my hands and my feet too. It's non-sticky and it says in the description that it has shea butter, macadamia oil and MARSHMALLOW!!!! yum yum. I also like how it softens callus.

Bench Organics Coffee&Honey Body Scrub
Now if I get lazy making my own scrub, I reach out to this scrub. It mildly scrubs without drying and it has honey which is a natural skin softener and has antibacterial properties. I can't smell the coffee part and I can't tell if this can really firm and tone skin. Aside from crushed apricot seeds though, this one has polyethylene which irritates my skin lately so I might not get a third tub. Too bad, I really like the smell and gentleness of this scrub.

Next month, I think I'll bundle hair products for this kind of post.
p.s. for the prices and other details of the products, just click the name and it will lead you either on amazon or to the online shops of the brand or to someone else blog where I heard the product

May 26, 2014

Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream

I'll just go straight to the point: Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream is more of a preventive kind rather than the "recovering the prime state of your skin" gel cream. If you have wrinkles and wanted to get rid of them, then this is not the product for you.

Since the explosion of snail, bee, snake and whatever based products,I've been curious as to why they became so popular and gave in when I found out that this snail gel cream from Mizon is cheap. The one in the photo above is already my third tube (they are on promo when I bought them from Bae Lu) not because I'm so much in love with it but because I wanted to consume the trio before they expire. It's not a bad cream, I'm actually impressed when I first use it since it made my skin and my wrinkled hands so soft and smooth and plump but like the other Mizon products that I tried (like Mizon Pore Tightening Lotion), this also works up to a certain extent only...let's say 30% and with continuous use the 30% will remain in your face! (and hands too if you'll use it there).

By the way, this is recommended for use after your moisturizer, I tried it and it's like I'm already wearing a thick mask so I just replace my moisturizer with this. Then when I'm done with the first tube I went back to my usual moisturizer and go back to this when I'm halfway done with the former and that's when I observed what I hate the most about this product: mini breakouts for the first week of usage and then breakout again when I stop using it and half of the softness and smoothness effect also goes away.

Like I told you, this is not really a bad moisturizer but it will not give a long lasting effect and will definitely not help with wrinkles (or it will help by making your skin plump, but still my wrinkles/lines that are a bit deep already never said bye bye to me). Well, I'm already in my late twenties and should already be using anti-aging products rather than these kinds of creams that are more on the preventive side. Right now, I use this gel cream as a wash off mask since I like it's semi cooling effect.

Have you tried Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream before?

May 25, 2014

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Beautifying Oil

I know, crazy editing of photo up there but I'm liking it. I've been down lately so some splash of color is very much welcome. Anyway, I'll be sharing with you this "weird" product from The Body Shop. Weird in a way that I can't find in the net how dry oil really works but I find this really amazing and I keep on praying that The Body Shop will offer some kind of promo to all their dry oil.

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Beautifying Oil is a dry oil that is for body, face and hair. It is supposed to be an all in one product but I only use this on my body as my face react to this badly like a mini zit will appear after just a couple of application and it just won't work on my hair. BUT on my body, this works wonderful as it just sinks in to my skin leaving it soft and smooth (and the longer I use it, the smoother my skin gets) without the grease of an oil or even from the lotion.

Aside from Community Fair Trade Brazil Nut Oil, there are other three precious nut oils in it namely kukui, sweet almond and Community Fair Trade marula oil. I'm not sure how these oils smell but this dry oil so so sweet like a concoction of sugar and caramel then sugar and caramel then sugar and caramel (and on and on and on) that I wouldn't be surprised if there are ants crawling on my skin.

I also find this convenient to use. While my skin is still damp, I spread an ample amount all over my body put my towel on and before I could find the clothes to wear for the day the dry oil already sunk in to my skin (way faster than my usual lotions).

Tried dry oil lately?

May 21, 2014

Etude House Baking Powder

You may deduct from the photo above that a. it is well love, b. overly use and c. has been with the owner for a very long time. I've been using this Etude House Baking Powder Cleansing Foam Moist for around 6 months (turning 7 this end of May) and finally it's time for me to say something about it (and nope Etude House is not selling baking powder but it would be cute if they are selling one...I imagine it in a cute container and I will tell people "I bought my baking powder in Etude House and look at it's cute packaging!", okay stop the nonsense and on with the details!).

Description: Formulated with Baking Powder to penetrate and cleanse deep within pores to remove makeup and residues. Maintains rich, smooth lather for moist sensation.

How to use: Wet face and dispense small amount onto hands. Lather and apply foam to face, gently massaging entire area. Wash and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

I mainly got attracted with the "cleanse deep within pores" because my pores on the cheeks area look big although I have dry skin meaning my pores attracted lots of dirt and oil. The rich, smooth lather is a bonus: it's so foamy and dense it reminds me of a shaving cream (so if you suddenly ran out of shaving cream, you can just use this as a quick substitute).

This foam cleanser is refreshing not only because of its lemony scent but also because it feels like it removes all the gunk in my face every after use especially this summer where all my skin do the whole day is sweat. On cold weather days though, I feel that everyday usage of this cleanser just strips all the oils of my skin leaving it dry, tight and sensitive so I only use this every other day for the first two months of the year.

If you're a foam lover (like me), use this with a cleansing brush or a konjac sponge to create an abundant amount of foam: just a pea size of this cleanser is enough to cover not just your face but your neck as well (and sometimes my pits too hehehe, it seems like it also removes deodorant and helps in removing b.o.). Although, my pores are still visible they have improved and is less noticeable than before. It will also help if you use warm/lukewarm water in cleansing the face as it will loosen the unnecessary oils clogging the pores.

Now if you're going to ask me, "can this remove make-up" - I'll just state my usual answer: I don't know, I always double cleanse whenever I put makeup and this cleanser is just an assurance that everything has been removed and that my face looks and feel fresh and clean.

That's all for this cleanser and share your favorite cleanser or your favorite Etude House product with me :) (I love EH 's collagen cream).

Till then, Arya

May 2014 Haul: Basics

Whenever Watsons go on sale, I go a little cray because I can get the chance to get basic stuff at a discount even if the discount is just 10% to 20% off. I also took advantage of The Body Shop's buy 1 get 1 promo and got body butters and bb cream. Then got a pair of shoes from divi and a sunglasses from a mall back in my province.

I'm going back to baby friendly body cleansers because my skin gone really sensitive lately. Got lured with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser's buy 1 get 1 free promo but I have to use it before September 2014. I guess I can't go wrong with Dove Gentle Exfoliating Nourishing Body Wash because Dove was always recommended by my doctor when I was still a kid and Johnson & Johnson's Baby Bath.

For hair, I just got some conditioners and a hair treatment. Herbal Essences Hello Hydration seems nice and since I love the hair treatment, I also got the Naturals by Watsons Olive Conditioner as a backup. I'm making my own hair treatment now but when lazy days strikes, I'll just use HairFix Hair Treatment Deep Repair which has Argan Oil and Aloe Vera (seems like every drugstore stuff now claims to have argan oil).

Thanks to The Body Shop's anniversary sale I finally got the Chocomania body butter which I got at 40% off plus I also use my points from my card so I almost got it for free. My sister and I take advantage of the buy 1 get 1 promo on the Olive body butter and the All-In-One BB cream (almost or all their make-up we're on sale and got tempted to get some eyeshadows). The red box is a freebie, all thanks to the nice SA for reminding me.

Lastly a pair of shoes from the infamous Divisoria which is only $7 hehehe and a sunglasses which I like very much (surprisingly! I am not a fan of sunglasses before) and the price my goodness is $1.50 and I saw the same one in the mall here in Manila for $7 (I guess the case cost $5.50?).

Very basic and I hope I buy much much less next month.